Sinn Fein councillor Ivan Barr dies

Strabane councillor and Sinn Fein representative Ivan Barr has died after a short illness. Barr had been involved in politics for more than 40 years and was a former chairman of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association.

While chairman of Strabane district council in 2001, he was at the centre of a political storm after shaking hands with DUP colleague Thomas Kerrigan.

'He was courteous and cordial at all times. But I think most of all he was a champion of working-class people,' said the Deputy First Minister. 'He was an advocate for them, and a very effective advocate. We are all deeply saddened at his death.'

Strabane SDLP councillor Eugene McMenamin described Barr as a true socialist. 'Although our parties had different views, I can honestly say it was an honour to have worked with, and have known, a genuine man. Ivan Barr will be sadly missed,' he said.